Do Chefs Like Instant Pot? [Here's The Answer]

An instant pot is an electric device that combines a pressure cooker, a slow cooker, a yogurt maker, and a rice maker into one single vessel. With its user-friendly interface, convenience, and safety features, its sales have increased exponentially.

Do chefs like instant pot?

Chefs like instant pots, but many still do not prefer to use one. Because of the instant pot (typically 8 quarts), they are not suitable for commercial use. Also, chefs favor cooking with traditional techniques because they give extra flavor to food. However, if commercial instant pots were available, chefs would probably use them frequently.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain in detail do chefs like instant pots and if there are any commercial instant pots available on the market.

Keep reading to know what professional chefs say about an instant pot so that you can make an informed choice. Further, you will learn if instant pots are suitable for people who do not know how to cook.

If you’re looking to buy the best cookware products, be sure to visit my Recommended Products Page (click to see my page), Which includes all of my top picks by category.

What Do Chefs Say About Instant Pot?

Chefs generally say positive things about the instant pots, and they like their functionality. An instant pot can reduce your cooking time to half, reduce energy consumption by 50 percent, and make cooking almost effortless.

On the other hand, some chefs do not prefer using an instant pot even if they like it. Also, they think that the instant pot has simplified cooking and taken away the art of cooking. But they choose to cook with traditional techniques for satisfaction and better flavor.

Furthermore, an instant pot cooks food in steam. And most people do not prefer steaming food; therefore, they do not prefer instant pots.

Additionally, the frequency of using an instant pot also depends on what kind of food the chefs are making. For instance, if a chef primarily cooks rice, chickpeas, or beans that favor instant pot, it is most likely that he will often be employing instant pot. In contrast, if a chef mainly cooks delicate foods, he may not be using an instant pot quite often.

Are Instant Pots For People Who Cannot Cook?

The instant pot is an all-in-one device and works best for people who do not know how to cook. They are incredibly user-friendly, easy to use, and have a default safety mechanism, but you may still require some practice.

Moreover, if you understand the essential functions and built-in features of an instant pot, you can cook perfectly and effortlessly, even if you are a beginner.

What Can You Cook In An Instant Pot?

An instant pot is your best bet when you want to cook something that would take hours to cook otherwise. It includes soups, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, chili, sweet potatoes, beans, beets, vegetables, rice, squash, chickpeas, stew, polenta, cheap cuts of meat, etc.

On the other hand, if you want to cook something crispy and crunchy, it is better not to use an instant pot because the steam locked in it will make the food soggy and wilt. Therefore, you should not use an instant pot for cooking pasta, canning, steaks, seafood, cakes, daily recipes, roasting potatoes, whole chicken, rare/medium-rare meats, etc.

Is There A Commercial Instant Pot Available?

There is no specific instant pot available currently that is suitable commercially. Many people have asked the same question to companies that sell instant pots. However, manufacturers are trying to make an instant pot that is safe to use in commercial settings. Thus, there is hope that a commercial instant pot will be available soon.

Is It Safe To Use The Instant Pot Commercially?

You can use a regular instant pot for commercial use. But you have to be extra careful because an instant pot is required to cook large batches of food efficiently when used in restaurants, and it is not designed for that.

However, you can use it to speed up your cooking process in restaurants, but you may need to have more than two instant pots to execute the cooking process safely.

How To Use An Instant Pot?

Using an instant pot will depend on what you want to cook. However, the standard steps to cook anything are listed in the following.

Place the instant pot on a flat surface and insert the plug into the power cord. This will turn on the machine, but it will be in standby mode and display an off-status symbol.
Fill your pot to the max fill line and secure the lid by rotating it clockwise. Likewise, move the lid in the counterclockwise direction to open it.
Turn the pressure release valve to the sealing position and when food is ready, turn it to the venting position.
Seal the instant pot and select your cooking option (sauté, slow cook, or pressure cook) from the control panel. Read the display and choose the setting according to your requirements.
Set the timer and let it cook. Also, remember to release the pressure before opening the machine.

Tips For Using Instant Pots

Here I have listed some care tips to remember when using an instant pot for cooking.

Always use at least ½ cup of liquid (depends on your food and pot size) because steam is required to build pressure in an instant pot.
Do not use the instant pot for deep frying your food.
Make sure the lid valve is sealed; otherwise, you will build no pressure in the pot.
You can cook frozen food in an instant pot but remember to increase your cooking time.
Do not overfill your instant pot with food and liquid.
Be careful when releasing steam from the instant pot.
Wash your instant pot thoroughly after every use and dry it to maintain quality. Also, ensure that the sealing ring is cleaned as it can collect odors.

Final Thoughts

An instant pot is a game-changing tool in cooking and can save you so much time. Further, professional chefs do like it, but many do not prefer to use an instant pot in commercial settings.

The reason is that an instant pot is smaller in size than required for commercial use, and chefs like to enhance the flavor of food through traditional cooking techniques.